Zero-emission trucking company New Energy Transport has completed Australia’s longest single-charge electric heavy road freight delivery, marking a key step forward for electric vehicle manufacturing and freight decarbonisation.
In a news release, the company said it transported a total weight of 36 tonnes on a 480-kilometre round trip from Picton, south of Sydney, to Beresfield in the Hunter region – all on a single charge.
According to New Energy Transport, the trial demonstrated that electric heavy road freight can be cost-competitive with diesel while improving delivery times and reducing emissions.
The technology demonstration, completed in partnership with Multiquip and Windrose, comes as New Energy Transport secures its first site to construct Australia’s largest heavy electric trucking depot near Wilton, south-west of Sydney.
“New Energy Transport is a new kind of trucking company,” said Daniel Bleakley, Co-CEO of New Energy Transport.
“By combining low-cost renewable energy, high-speed charging and electric prime movers, New Energy Transport offers zero-emission road freight at diesel-based prices. The successful journey proves that it’s possible to do zero-emission road freight in a cost-competitive way while improving productivity and performance outcomes when compared to diesel-based freight.”
New Energy Transport said the Windrose electric prime mover completed the round trip 40 minutes faster than a diesel equivalent, achieving an average highway speed of 98 km/h compared to 85 km/h for diesel trucks.
The vehicle’s sustained high-speed performance uphill contributed to a 12 per cent reduction in journey time.
The company is now advancing negotiations with private and public investors after signing six memoranda of understanding with transport buyers and partners aimed at accelerating the rollout of cost-competitive, zero-emission electric freight.
Located near Wilton, the planned depot will support up to 50 heavy electric trucks, serving freight corridors between Sydney, Wollongong and Canberra, and will act as a key hub for future operations between Sydney and Melbourne.
Judy Hannan, NSW Member for Wollondilly, welcomed the announcement, saying the project could help reduce pollution while creating local jobs. “It is wonderful to see heavy road transport becoming more environmentally friendly and I am very excited to see the progress made with Multiquip in Wollondilly,” Hannan said.
“The testing of the trucks shows there are alternatives that are not only better for the environment but also better for the driver and the business owner.”
Co-CEO Fredrik Pehrsson said New Energy Transport’s vision extends to building its own charging infrastructure as it expands operations nationwide.
“Our vision is based on being able to deliver our own charging infrastructure, which is why New Energy Transport is securing this in the back end of our operation,” Pehrsson said.
“We’re building our own charging infrastructure to support our own electric heavy prime movers for our customers.”
New Energy Transport plans to expand its service routes to connect Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra and Brisbane by 2031.
For more information, visit the company’s website.
